4-star EDGE Dawson Merritt flips to Nebraska from Alabama: ‘I want to be a part of building something’  

After committing to Alabama on June 26, Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley four-star EDGE Dawson Merritt’s communication with Nebraska slowed down. Things changed when Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola suggested that he return to Lincoln for Nebraska’s game against Colorado on Sept. 7.

Merritt was impressed by the Cornhuskers during their 28-10 over the Buffaloes and since then, playing for Nebraska became a “stronger thought” in his head. Additionally, the Cornhuskers’ coaches ramped up communication with Merritt throughout the fall. After praying about his decision, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound pass rusher has decided to flip his pledge to Nebraska from the Crimson Tide. 

“Attending Nebraska will give me a better opportunity to build my faith,” Merritt told On3. “Coach Ron Brown, coach Troy Vincent Jr. and coach Jamar Mozee are three guys that I talk to at least once a week about things in my life, stuff that goes on in their lives and chapel that they have. They like to reach out and send me scriptures and prayers. They’ve given me a feeling that I’m going to be able to grow my faith greatly there. 

“Also, I want to be a part of building something. I think that Nebraska has a bright future and I think it’d be really cool to be a part of changing that program. Then, I have great relationships there… I’m close to more than 10 guys at Nebraska. I can’t match that. I feel loved and I love a lot of those guys.” 

Merritt believes that the future is bright at Nebraska

Throughout the fall, Merritt was feeling better and better about Nebraska. When he and his mother would sit down to watch Alabama and Nebraska games, they got “so much more excited” viewing the Cornhuskers. As a result, both Merritt and his mom “knew that it was going to lead to this.” 

Merritt called his decision “tough” and shared that it hurt to choose against Alabama, a school he still loves alongside Nebraska. But the No. 3 player in Kansas had to make the best decision for him, which is playing for head coach Matt Rhule in the Big Ten. 

“What excites me the most about Nebraska is Dylan Raiola,” said Merritt, the No. 115 overall prospect and No. 14 EDGE in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “He’s a quarterback who’s improving. As a freshman, there are going to be struggles and he has had some struggles, but I have faith in him, the offense and Matt Rhule that they’re going to get it done. 

“We’re bringing in a great class. I’m not going to be the last one that ends up flipping or committing to Nebraska. We’re going to bring in a great class. Also, I believe in Tony White’s defense. I believe in everything he says and I believe that we will be special in the future.”

Merritt will arrive on campus ahead of Rhule’s third year leading Nebraska. The Cornhuskers’ head man impressed him during the recruiting process. 

“He’s a player’s coach,” Merritt said. “His relationship with every single player is amazing… Matt Rhule can talk to anyone. There is no conversation that involves Matt Rhule that is awkward. He’s going to be a straight shooter all of the time, but he’s also a funny guy and it’s always great being on the phone with him.” 

Merritt is thrilled about his upcoming visit to Nebraska

Merritt is excited to play in Nebraska’s defense because the Cornhuskers’ coaches see him as a versatile defender who can drop into coverage, rush the quarterback and play inside the box. He is also looking forward to returning to Lincoln. 

The four-star will be back at Nebraska on Nov. 23 for the Cornhuskers’ game against Wisconsin. This will mark the latest trip to Nebraska for Merritt, who took an official visit to the Cornhuskers from April 26-28.

“I’m so excited,” Merritt said. “I can’t even picture how great that day is going to be. I’m so ready for it. I don’t know what to expect because I know that all of my expectations will be exceeded. I’m super excited to see the fanbase and to see the defense fly around and play. I’m hoping for a win.”

Nebraska is known to have some of the most passionate fans in college football. Merritt is ready to suit up in scarlet-and-cream and compete in front of them. 

“There’s no fanbase like Nebraska’s fanbase,” Merritt said. “The love that they show the players and commits is unlike any other. They’re invested. Nebraska football is their team… They really put their all into Husker Football.”